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CUT, COLOUR, CLARITY A gemologist examines a diamond

According to Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director, IGI (Indian Gemological Institute-India) this is not the only reason for diamonds to do better than other precious and semi-precious stones. He says, “Today diamonds are certified and there is a standardisation which did not exist earlier; so people feel secure about buying them.” Talking at length about IGI and its certification process, he says the IGI came to India in 1993 and at that point of time nobody knew what certification was. Every diamond seller had his own standards. Each claimed to have the best diamonds but the quality differed from seller to seller. “The IGI introduced standardisation in India,” he adds.

The IGI reportedly has 14 parameters to judge the carat, weight, clarity, colour and cut of a diamond. The IGI mark certification has brought about a transformation because now a jeweller knows what he is selling and the customer is confident about what he is buying. “Knowing facilitates buying and this is how the market for diamonds has increased,” he adds. What’s more is that with the introduction of the Mobile Laboratory Concept, all jewellers in India can avail themselves of jewellery certification at their doorstep.

Tehmasp further states that nowadays there is a whole gamut of designs available at flexible rates, be it the traditional classic mould or fashionable trendy patterns. “Of all the cities, Chennai offers the best quality diamonds. In Delhi, people often opt for big diamonds so the colour, cut and clarity may have to be compromised upon unlike in Chennai where people are finicky about the quality of diamonds. Another interesting feature is that consumers can now personalise their diamonds by inscribing messages on them for their loved ones. This is known as LASERSCRIBE and this state-of-the-art laser inscription allows inscription of gem identification information as well as personalised messages,” informs Tehmasp who was recently in Chennai to certify Joyalukkas.

Asked how he would sell a diamond to someone who doesn’t fancy it, he says, “People are entitled to their choices but a diamond is forever and the best part about it is that every diamond is unique. It is durable and if you gift it to someone, it is a permanent sign of love.”

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